Understand the Principles and Requirements of Assessment

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1.1 Explain the function of assessment in learning and development. “Assessment is a way of finding out if learning has taken place” (Achieving your TAQA Assessor and Internal Quality Assurer Award (Lifelong Learning Sector Series by Gravells, Ann 1st Edition 2012) In other words, it is how an assessor or teacher makes sure each learner achieves given assessment criteria; Assessment allows the assessor to monitor, support and record how a learners knowledge and understanding has progressed throughout a given course. Assessment should always follow the assessment cycle; Initial Assessment Review of Progress Assessment Planning Assessment decision & feedback Assessment Activity An assessor should continue to follow these five stages of the assessment cycle until the learner has achieved all assessment criteria associated with their given qualification. Additionally there are three main categories of assessment, initial, formative and summative assessment. Initial assessment takes place before a learner begins a course with the aim of ensuring, through diagnostic testing, the learner is enrolling on a course appropriate to their previous knowledge, skills and abilities. Formative assessment is ongoing throughout the learning, as learners develop and produce work the assessor should monitor their progression to ensure any areas of weakness are overcome and areas of strength are commended. Learners need to be aware of areas of weakness to allow them the opportunity, through support and guidance, to develop their skills and knowledge so they make progression in all areas. Additionally, learners need to be commended and made aware of their areas of strength so they receive positive reinforcement and know they are on their way to being successful, which also allows morale and enthusiasm for learning to be maintained. Formative assessment can be given in a
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